Gormley Wins Fourth Plinth – With Familiar Idea

Hmmm? I see Antony Gormley has won the latest competition to have his artistic creation installed on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square. Basically, members to the public can sign up to occupy the empty plinth for an hour at a time. I think it’s a great idea. I would – because I suggested a very similar idea to a member of the Fourth Plinth Committee around three years ago during a debate on Radio Five Live. It caused rather a lot of interest at the time and it was put to the member of the committee that the idea should be considered. Naturally, it was dismissed because ‘they had a short list’ – in any case, what would a member of the public know about public art and its importance?

Of course, I’m not suggesting Antony heard the debate, thought, ‘that’s a great idea’ and nicked it. But I am rather incensed that Gormley is being heralded as a genius with an idea that in slightly different form had already been broached with the Fourth Plinth Committee.

I’ve written to the Mayor of London and some news agencies – so watch this space.

I think it’s a brilliant idea (well done you!) and voted for Gormley when we visited the National Gallery in March. I blogged about it at the time, promising that if he won I’d sign up for an hour. Be careful what you wish for! Actually I’d love to be part of it and will be keeping my eyes and ears open for details of how to apply.

I was interested to hear your story and look forward to seeing what happens next.